A feature of this storm was the presence on the high tide line of large volumes of peat in the Esplanade Reserve.

The Structure Plan for Point Wells was a long time in the consultation process but ultimately produced a logical plan approved by the community in the settlement. This plan avoided increased development close to the coast and most importantly provided good pedestrian access to the water with a broad strip of protective, grassed reserve between the sea and proposed development.

We put in a submission (see Sewage Entering Harbour) opposing the pumping of sewage from Matakana to our harbour. The Commissioners acknowledged the issue and declined all submissions which would have resulted in intensification in the village and would have pushed sewage beyond the limit of 2000 people imposed by Watercare.

Our Committee has appealed to the Environment Court against the decision to allow subdivision in the Omaha Flats area without any environmental “trade-off”. As Rodney District Council approved the Plan and the ARC opposed it we will be interested to see which way the new Auckland Council will jump.

UPDATE: The HarbourCare group has reached a settlement through mediation with significant changes to the rules controlling subdivision on the Omaha Flats. The changes will be available on the R.D.C. website once released by the Auckland Council.